PXI RF Combiners
The 3060 Series RF combiners are PXI modules designed specifically for RF component and radio terminal system test. They are high performance RF conditioning modules supplied in a compact single-slot 3U PXI package. The series is comprised of four different modules each addressing a particular application: 3060, 3061, 3065 and 3065A. Features include: integrated RF switch and power combiners; frequency range up to 2.7 or 6 GHz; fast response RF switching; internally stored calibration data; two-year calibration cycle; and single slot 3U high. The modules are ideally suited for use in RF test systems in conjunction with Aeroflex’s 3020 Series RF signal generators and 3030 Series RF digitizer modules. Together these modules enable the development of compact, high performance, low cost, modular RF test systems.
Aeroflex,
Plainview, NY
(516) 694-6700,
www.aeroflex.com
Eight-bit A/D Converters
ADI released two eight-bit, high speed, low power, low noise analog-to-digital (A/D) converters designed for instrumentation and communications applications. Both eight-bit high speed A/D converters use a pipeline architecture and consume 310 mW of power. The AD9284 is a dual, eight-bit, 250-MSPS A/D converter while the AD9286 eight-bit 500-MSPS A/D converter delivers eight-bit resolution at 40 percent less power than competitive components. The converters feature high SNR of 49.3 dB FS and allow for a wide dynamic signal range with SFDR performance of 65 dBc. Applications for these components include battery-powered instruments, handheld scope meters and digital oscilloscopes.
Analog Devices Inc.,
Norwood, MA
(781) 329-4700,
www.analog.com
DC Blocks
Crystek’s line of CBLK DC blocks are designed to block DC voltage while passing frequencies from 300 kHz to 3 GHz. These DC blocks are ideal for use in broadband coupling and test and measurement applications. Crystek DC blocks produce a flat frequency response, they offer low insertion loss (0.02 dB at 300 kHz; 0.20 dB at 3 GHz) and excellent return loss through 3 GHz (14 dB male and 15 dB female). DC input voltage is rated at 16 W VDC (maximum); operating temperature range is -55° to +90°C. Crystek DC blocks are available immediately from Crystek’s stocking distributors.
Crystek Corp.,
Fort Myers, FL
(239) 561-3311,
www.crystek.com
MMIC Phase Shifters
The HMC931LP4E, HMC932LP4E and HMC933LP4E are SMT packaged MMIC phase shifters ideal for phased array, as well as sensor and subsystem applications in fiber optic, military, test, and industrial/medical equipment from 8 to 24 GHz. The three MMIC analog phase shifters provide continuous phase shift of up to 470 degrees and accept an analog control voltage from 0 to 13 V. The HMC931LP4E phase shifter covers 8 to 12 GHz, while the HMC932LP4E and HMC933LP4E phase shifters cover 12 to 18 and 18 to 24 GHz, respectively. The HMC931LP4E, HMC932LP4E and HMC933LP4E exhibit consistent insertion loss as low as 3.5 dB, with excellent phase accuracy of ±10 degrees across the band.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA
(978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com
Prototyping System
LPKF introduces the new ProtoMat® E33 circuit board plotter, an entry-level milling machine for in-house rapid PCB prototyping. This compact system is a great introduction to PCB structuring and comes with powerful software to effectively support the user during the milling process. It does not require the necessity of external vendors and encourages those with limited budgets a more practical use such as exercises, experiments and educational purposes. The LPKF ProtoMat E33 has the ability to create single or double-sided circuit board prototypes without the use of chemicals, drills holes for plated vias, mills individual units from base material and also engraves front panels of housings. Its compact 16.5" × 11.7" size comes equipped with a 30,000 RPM milling motor, 0.8 µm resolution, ±0.005 mm repeatability, and an easy-to-use tool holder.
LPKF Laser and Electronics,
Tualatin, OR
(503) 454-4212,
www.lpkfusa.com
Precision 7-16 DIN Adapters
7-16 DIN adapters are highly desired in test applications such as base station passive intermodulation (PIM) testing. These low loss, low VSWR “rugged” adapters are designed to be used with portable antenna and cable analyzers. Anritsu’s Site Master™, Summitek’s SITM series and Boonton’s PIM testers are examples where high grade DIN adapters are used. Some features include stainless steel coupling nuts, white bronze plated bodies for tarnish free service, superior electrical performance and low PIM. White bronze plating offers a non-magnetic solution while retaining high conductivity in the conductor paths.
RF Precision Products,
San Diego, CA
(858) 571-5400,
www.rfp2.com
Components
Surface-mount Limiters
The LM Series of surface-mount limiters is designed for receiver protection applications through 8 GHz. These RoHS-compliant devices provide high power protection at levels to 100 W CW and 2 kW peak power in surface-mount-technology (SMT) packages measuring only 8 × 5 × 2.5 cubic mm. Ideal for receiver protection applications at L-band (1 to 2 GHz), S-band (2 to 4 GHz) and C-band (4 to 8 GHz) frequencies. LM Series limiters provide considerably higher thermal capacity than silicon and GaAs MMIC solutions. Their small size and excellent thermal conductivity supports low-profile circuit designs without sacrificing protection for sensitive receiver front-end components.
Aeroflex/Metelics,
Londonderry, NH
(888) 641-7364,
www.aeroflex.com/metelics
Two-way Power Divider
KRYTAR announced a two-way power divider that offers high performance over the broadband frequency range of 3 to 45 GHz in a single compact package. This new power divider offers the widest frequency coverage in a single package on the market and provides superior performance. Targeting broadband electronic warfare (EW) systems and complex switch-matrix applications, for example, KRYTAR used its proprietary design to produce a matched-line directional divider (MLDD) with ultra-high performance over the broadband frequency range of 3 to 45 GHz. Model 6030450 offers high pass frequency response to attain low insertion loss and high isolation.
KRYTAR Inc.,
Sunnyvale, CA
(408) 734-5999,
www.krytar.com
Ultra Broadband Bias-tee
MITEQ introduced an ultra broadband high current Bias-tee to its Bias-tee family. Model BT2650-HC covers 100 MHz to 26.5 GHz with an insertion loss of 2.5 dB, input voltage of up to +15 V and for a maximum of 1 amp current handling. It can be used in general-purpose test and measurement systems or OC768 transmitters and receivers. This model is available from stock.
MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 439-9220,
www.miteq.com
SPST Thru SP32T Switches
PMI offers a line of solid-state switches that operate up to 40 GHz. Many standard models are available. Many new models are in development so please contact PMI if you do not see exactly what you require. Standard features include: ultra-high isolation, low insertion loss, fast switching speeds, low power consumption and small packages.
Planar Monolithics Industries Inc.,
Frederick, MD
(301) 662-5019,
www.pmi-rf.com
Wideband 90 Degrees Hybrid
Pulsar model QS8-13-463-7 is a 90 degree hybrid covering the frequency range of 0.5 to 10 GHz with 2.0 dB insertion loss, ±0.8 dB amplitude balance and ± 8 degrees phase balance. Isolation is 16 dB and VSWR is 1.5:1 maximum. The average input power rating is 20 W maximum. Outline dimensions are 6.10" × 1.00" × 0.40" and the connectors are SMA female.
Pulsar Microwave Corp.,
Clifton, NJ
(973) 779-6262,
www.pulsarmicrowave.com
Single and Dual Directional Couplers
RLC Electronics’ high power directional couplers offer accurate coupling, low insertion loss and high directivity in a compact package. The standard units are optimized for two octave bandwidths and are available with a choice of coupling values. These units are ideal for sampling forward and reflected power with a negligible effect on the transmission line and very low intermodulation products.
RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY
(914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com
Radio Link Converters
These next-generation E- and V-band converter platforms, aimed at the telecom industry, can help manufacturers of point-to-point and multipoint microwave radio systems running at transfer rates up to 10 Gb/s. The company can provide complete or partial assemblies, including various combinations of converter, diplexer and LO. This allows radio link suppliers to select custom solutions for their outdoor unit applications. E- and V-band technology will help meet the demand for higher speeds and provide more available bandwidth to data-hungry users, especially in dense urban areas.
Sivers IMA AB,
Kista, Sweden
+46-8-703 68 00,
www.siversima.com
Four-port Circulator
The model FMP146 Circulator-Detector provides up to 40 dB of isolation (dual-junction signal path) with insertion loss typically less than 0.4 dB. The device has both forward and reverse power detection with a tunable DC power output detection circuit operational to 75 W CW. The FMP146 was designed for harsh naval radar operations with an integrated BeO load termination and light weight aluminum chassis.
TRAK Microwave Corp.,
Tampa, FL
(813) 901-7200,
www.trak.com
Amplifiers
GaN Power Amplifier
The model SSPA 2.0-4.0-100 is a high power, GaN amplifier that operates from 2000 to 4000 MHz minimum and is packaged in a rugged enclosure. This amplifier is designed for operation in harsh environments. Typical output power is 100 W across the band at P3dB. Small-signal gain is 54 dB ± 3.0 dB across the band typically. Input and output VSWR is 2.0:1 maximum. This unit is equipped with DC switching circuitry that enables and disables the RF devices inside the amplifier in 540 nSec typical for turn on and 230 nSec typical for turn off time. Standard features include reverse polarity protection, output short and open circuit protection, and over/under voltage protection.
Aethercomm Inc.,
Carlsbad, CA
(760) 208-6002,
www.aethercomm.com
X-band AGC Amplifier
The AMLSW3011 is a GaAs X-band switched gain selectable amplifier with excellent state-to-state gain and phase tracking. The amplifier offers selectable gain steps of 0/10/20 and 30 dB. A minimum OIP3 of +35 dBm is provided in any of the gain states. This amplifier is also available with an input detector option that limits the output power to +30 dBm maximum under conditions of high input drive. This feature protects components that follow the amplifier in the system cascade. DC voltage is 12 to 18 VDC.
AML Communications Inc.,
Camarillo, CA
(805) 388-1345,
www.amlj.com
Coaxial Wideband Microwave Amplifier
The ZX60-24+ is a coaxial wideband microwave amplifier that operates in a frequency range from 5 to 20 GHz. This 50 amplifier features gain of 24 dB typical and flatness of ±1.3 dB typical, output power at 1 dB compression, 18.0 dBm typical and excellent isolation of 62 dB typical. This amplifier is unconditionally stable and protected by US patent 6,790,049. Applications include: military and radar, DBS, wideband isolation amplifier, microwave point to point radio and satellite systems. These amplifiers are RoHS compliant in accordance with EU Directive (2002/95/EC). Price: $199.95 each (1 to 9).
Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com
Antenna
Patch Antennas
Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products announced that its patch antenna elements have successfully fulfilled Iridium Satellite Communications’ “Iridium Compatible Equipment (ICE) Certification” requirements. This certification offers Spectrum’s customers the ability to save time when using Iridium-certified antennas in their applications by eliminating the need for re-certifying equipment when using the patch antennas according to Iridium’s guidelines. This new partnership with Iridium Satellite demonstrates Spectrum’s continuing dedication to manufacturing high quality, high performance products. Currently, the PA25-1621-025SA and PA45-1621-1575SA patch antennas have achieved ICE Certification; however, several of Spectrum’s antennas and assemblies are in the approval process and certification is expected in 2011.
Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products,
Fairview, PA
(814) 474-1571,
www.specemc.com
Semiconductor/IC
Ultra-low-noise Heterojunction FET
The NE3520S03 ultra-low-noise heterojunction field effect transistor is claimed to feature industry-leading low noise characteristics for 20 GHz satellite broadcast reception. To reduce noise at ultra-high frequencies, the NE3520S03 employs a new epitaxial wafer structure that leverages high electron density, thin-layer technology. This increases the velocity at which the electrons move through the channels and lowers the source resistance, making possible a noise figure of 0.65 dB, which is among the lowest in a mass produced product for the 20 GHz band, and an associated gain of 13.5 dB.
Renesas Electronics Europe GmbH,
Munich, Germany
+49 89 380 7000,
www.renesas.eu
Source
GPS-Disciplined Oscillator
The MXO-100 is a GPS-Disciplined oscillator, which accepts a 1 PPS reference input from a GPS receiver, with simultaneous outputs of 10, 20, 70 and 100 MHz with extremely low phase noise characteristics. Features include optional two alarm outputs (loss of lock and holdover), low phase noise, > 45 dB channel isolation, low g-sensitivity, ruggedized for shock and vibration, holdover mode, serial interface, warm-up time of two minutes at +25°C typical and up to four outputs at various frequencies. Ideal for use in radio base stations, synchronization source applications, digital video broadcast equipment, 3G and WiMAX base stations and more, the MXO-100-01 is packaged in a small (3.5" × 2.5" × 0.6") connectorized housing, accepts +5, +8 or +12 VDC power supplies, and operates over the -30° to +70°C temperature range.
EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV
(775) 345-2411,
www.emresearch.com